The West Columbia Beautification Foundation and City of West Columbia are issuing a call for ideas for the Art On State Project

The West Columbia Beautification Foundation and the City of West Columbia have partnered together for a $31,125 beautification project funded by a Connected Communities Grant through the Central Carolina Community Foundation. As a recipient of the Community Engagement Grant, the West Columbia Beautification Foundation is transforming a dumpster disaster into a community designed interactive public art garden located in the public parking area adjacent to businesses on the 100 Block of State Street.

Rooted in the idea that expression fosters community and engagement, the West Columbia Beautification Foundation is calling for ideas for an interactive public art exhibit that will leave a unique mark on State and Meeting Streets. Beginning Friday (Aug. 14) artists can submit their ideas to create a unique public space.

The City will receive input from the community, State Street business owners, and the West Columbia Beautification Foundation before selecting an exhibit for the interactive Art On State public art project.

Anyone who has a viable idea and the ability to fabricate and install the public art may submit an application. Applications must be received before 5 p.m. on  Sept. 23. A public meeting to view and discuss submitted ideas will held on Oct. 5,  (time and location to be determined). After receiving public input, finalists will be presented to the West Columbia Beautification Foundation during its October meeting.

The winning project will be presented to West Columbia City Council for approval in October 2015. Projects will be evaluated based on artistic merit and quality, intentionality of the artist, local significance, safety and durability, unrestricted public viewing, and installation and maintenance of the work.

More information and about the Art On State Project and project applications can be found at Art Project Link